Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST)

Sponsor

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

For More Information

For more information on the program call for proposals please visit the CSA website.

Description

The objective of the Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is to support Canadian universities and post-secondary institutions research projects that offer hands-on experience in space-like missions to Canadian Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) and more precisely to students and young researchers (post-doctoral fellows or PDFs) in order to acquire competencies required by the marketplace.

The primary result sought from this opportunity is to attract and train Canadian HQP to build capacity to enable Canada's future competitiveness and productivity in the space sector.

Building Canadian capacity in space science and technology is a priority for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Canada must develop and maintain a robust and experienced workforce within industry, academia, and government in order to continue playing an active role in future space missions and contributing to Canada's economic growth. Opportunities to participate in a space mission, including developing and using scientific instruments for satellites, the International Space Station (ISS) or other space-based platforms, are infrequent, but when a space mission activity is approved, a team with expertise and experience must be quickly formed to meet challenging schedule constraints driven by launch or market opportunities.

"Space-like missions" are projects that allow space experts in academia to propose interesting research suitable to maintain their expertise, attract and train the next generation of space professionals, and prepare future space missions. These projects consist generally of:

• Designing, building, modifying or testing scientific instruments or technologies;
• Using them in a simulated space environment, or flying them on suborbital or miniature orbital platforms (nanosatellites);
• Developing new approaches to use efficiently technology or applications in space or for space; and when appropriate,
• Conducting data acquisition and/or analysis to address scientific and/or operational objectives.

The FAST AO 2017 main objectives are to:

1. Develop and maintain a critical mass of researchers and HQPs in space-related areas in Canada;
2. Increase the level of student employability by exposing them to practical experiences that enable them to acquire space science and technology knowledge and skills sought by, among others, the industry; and
3. Increase scientific knowledge and/or develop new technologies.

Eligibility

Canadian universities and post-secondary institutions.

Maximum Project Value

Expected budget for new awards over three years: $6 million. Maximum amount per grant over the three funding categories:

• Category A: $400,000
• Category B: $200,000
• Category C: $100,000

Indirect Costs

Overhead (administrative) costs cannot exceed 10% of eligible costs.

Project Duration

Project maximum duration per grant: up to three years.

Special Notes

It is the responsibility of the applicants to obtain clarification of the requirements for the AO, if necessary, before submitting an application.

For any questions related to the AO, applicants shall use the following generic email address asc.lecedessetc-thegandccoe.csa@canada.ca. Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the FAQ Section of this AO. The CSA will respond to questions received before 5:00 p.m. (EST), December 15, 2017.

How to Apply

Please consult the CSA website for application instructions.

NOTE: Researchers will be responsible for submitting their applications to the CSA. 

Applications must be mailed to the CSA at the following address to the attention of:

Cathy Baillargeon
Senior Program Officer, Academic Department
Space Science & Technology, Canadian Space Agency
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9